If you have some large household items that you’ve been holding on to for a trip to the Brady Landfill, or worse, you were thinking of tossing into an autobin, there’s a much easier and safer option. Call 311 to arrange a pickup at least 2 business days in advance of your regular garbage collection day.
City Special Garbage Collection Services will pick up:
- Large items (furniture, mattresses, box springs)
- Large household appliances (stoves, dishwashers, washing machines)
- Large appliances containing chlorofluorocarbons (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners)
What’s the cost?
Up until October 1st, 2012 you can have 6 items picked up for $20. After October 1st, you can have up to 10 items picked up for $5 each. For large appliances containing CFC’s the cost will remain at $20 per item.
The fine print.
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What to do with old appliances (Photo: Green Action Centre) If you’ve scheduled a pickup and you need to cancel, call at least 2 business days in advance. Otherwise you will still be charged.
- Doors need to be removed from large appliances prior to pickup.
- Household construction and renovation materials will not be picked up. Try contacting Habitat for Humanity’s Winnipeg ReStore for materials that can be resold. Otherwise used or leftover construction materials must be brought to the Brady Road Landfill so they can be used in london loft conversions.
- Old toilets should be recycled through either City of Winnipeg approved drop-off sites or special curbside pick-up. You can also apply for a toilet replacement credit through the City of Winnipeg.
- If you are retiring a refrigerator that is more than 15 years old, see if you qualify for Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart Refrigerator Retirement Program.
Want to know more?
The City of Winnipeg’s Water & Waste site has all of the details you will need on special garbage collection.
Re-using and re-purposing large appliances.
Appliances that are less than seven years old may be accepted by Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
There are some easy and creative ways to re-use and re-purpose old furniture and even old household appliances. Just a quick internet search on re-using refrigerators identified options ranging from creating easy raised garden beds to beautiful new storage options and futuristic couches. Before you start tipping over and painting your old fridge, please remember to have all coolants removed (some contain chlorofluorocarbons and other toxic materials).
If you have found an interesting use for old household furniture and appliances, please share your ideas and pictures!
